Controllable End Effector for Adaptive Multi-Object Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturers face challenges in using end effectors to place and position objects with varying characteristics, such as differences in stiffness, pliability, dimensions, mass, porosity, texture, hardness, and material composition, leading to increased manufacturing times, costs, and defects due to the need for multiple types of end effectors and reliance on manual labor.

Innovation Solution

A controllable end effector with motion-defining elements, mounting components, drive components, and pick elements that can adapt to the characteristics of different objects, allowing independent control of pick element positions for precise placement and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of end effectors are used to handle objects with different characteristics, then the ability to accommodate various object properties is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate various object propertiesVSAvoidnumber of end effectors required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector incorporates multiple pick elements with different geometries, materials, and engagement characteristics that can be selectively activated. This allows a single end effector to handle diverse objects including rigid components, flexible materials, porous structures, and irregular shapes, replacing the need for multiple specialized end effectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector is divided into multiple independently controllable pick elements, each capable of being engaged or disengaged based on the object characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to adapt its configuration for different object types without requiring complete end effector changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of end effectors are used to handle different object characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing time and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different object characteristicsVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector features dynamically adjustable pick elements that can be engaged or disengaged based on real-time object characteristics. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different object types without manual intervention or end effector changes, maintaining continuous automated operation and reducing manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect object characteristics such as rigidity, shape, and material properties, then automatically adjusts which pick elements are engaged. This feedback mechanism enables rapid adaptation to different objects without manual reconfiguration, preserving productivity while handling diverse characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If conventional end effectors are used for automated manufacturing, then automation is achieved, but the ability to track object orientation and accommodate variable dimensions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated placement and positioningVSAvoidobject orientation tracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector adjusts multiple parameters including pick element engagement status, positioning coordinates, and orientation angles based on detected object characteristics. This parameter adjustment enables accurate tracking and placement of objects with variable dimensions and orientations while maintaining full automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector integrates multiple sensing capabilities and adjustable pick elements that can adapt to various object geometries and material properties. This multi-functionality allows the automated system to accurately track orientation and position diverse objects including flexible materials, rigid components, and irregular shapes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250360632A1End effectors for manufacturing

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 NEW BALANCE ATHLETICS INC

AI summary

A controllable end effector comprising a base component comprising a plurality of motion-defining elements; a plurality of mounting components operatively coupled to the base component, wherein each mounting component is coupled to one of the motion-defining elements; a plurality of drive components each configured to independently control a position of one of the mounting components; and a plurality of pick elements configured to engage with a surface of an object, wherein each mounting component is coupled to at least one of the pick elements. A method of manufacturing using a controllable end effector that includes identifying an object; moving at least two mounting components of the controllable end effector near the object; engaging at least two pick elements coupled to the two mounting components with a surface of the object; moving, via the pick elements, the object; and disengaging the pick elements from the surface of the object.